Harees

הריס

IraqMizrahiShabbat Meat 495 min 6 servings Medium

Harees is a thick porridge of cracked wheat and meat cooked until the grains collapse and the mixture is beaten into a stretchy, unified mass. In Iraqi Jewish tradition it is associated with long, slow cooking for Shabbat.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cracked wheat
  • 1 1/2 pounds beef or lamb, bone-in or cubed
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons melted schmaltz or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the cracked wheat well and soak it for 30 minutes if time allows.

  2. 2

    Place the meat, onion, salt, pepper, and water in a heavy pot and bring to a boil, skimming any foam.

  3. 3

    Add the cracked wheat, reduce to very low heat, and cover tightly.

  4. 4

    Cook gently for several hours, stirring occasionally, until both the meat and wheat are very soft.

  5. 5

    Remove any bones and the onion, then shred the meat back into the pot.

  6. 6

    Beat or stir the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it becomes thick, smooth, and slightly elastic.

  7. 7

    Continue cooking on very low heat or in a low oven until fully unified and rich, traditionally overnight for Shabbat.

  8. 8

    Spoon into bowls and drizzle with schmaltz or oil; dust lightly with cinnamon if desired.

Kosher notes

A classic meat Shabbat dish. Use kosher meat and keep the topping pareve or meat-based; do not garnish with dairy.

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Global Jewish Kitchen — recipes are labeled meat, dairy, or pareve. We are not a kashrut agency. Customs differ. Ask your rabbi.